Family Thankful As Riverview Community Rallies Together For Baby Jimmy

A baby in need has a new home this month thanks to the generosity of the Riverview community.

When Riverview resident Theresa Turner heard that the newborn baby of her former foster daughter needed a home, she worried that she would not be able to fund daycare or all the other costs associated with a newborn. But after just one post on the Facebook group Riverview Word of Mouth, Turner was able to offer baby Jimmy a stable home.
Turner, who owns the Riverview business Tax Happens, was invited by her former foster daughter to be present at the time of Jimmy’s birth.

“In speaking with his mother we knew he wouldn’t be able to go home with her and would end up in foster care,” said Turner. “His mother spent many years in foster care and didn’t want that for him. My husband and I discussed helping her with the baby but determined there was no way we could take on the financial responsibility and we didn’t have availably to care for him during the day.”

However, Turner, whose husband is retired from 23 years in the military and is now in college full-time during the day, reached out to her network and quickly found a volunteer to watch Jimmy while she works.

“We determined this was our biggest obstacle and if we did this as a team we could keep Jimmy out of foster care,” said Turner.

After working through the details and paperwork with Jimmy’s mother and Child Protective Services, the Turners started to prepare their home for Jimmy. Turner’s first stop was the Riverview Word of Mouth Facebook page, where she told Jimmy’s story.

“The response was overwhelming and far exceeded any expectations we might have had,” said Turner. “I would really like to list each and every person who contributed furniture, baby swings, car seat, stroller, port-a-crib, clothing, diapers, wipes, formula, gift cards, babysitting services, advice about WIC etc. but it became impossible to keep up and I don’t want to leave anyone out. Victor and I want to thank this wonderful community for stepping up and making it possible for us to bring baby Jimmy home.”
Turner added that they have at least a three month supply of diapers and wipes and items of clothing for each size through 12 months and are so appreciative.

Kate Quesada is the Multimedia Manager for the Osprey Observer Newspapers. She has been working for the paper in various positions since 2005 when she graduated with her Masters degree in mass communications. She lives in Valrico with her husband Mike and son Dylan.